Electric-lighting apparatus.



P. G. HEWITT.

ELECTRIC LIGHTING APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED MAR 23, 1901.

1,064,685, Patented June 10, 1913.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

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N1 29 A HEW 28 0 2f Wznesses: Inwrzzor P. G. HEWITT.

ELECTRIC LIGHTING APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED MAR. 23, 1901.

1,064,685. Patented June 10,1913.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

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Inventor nnrrnn sra rns rai'rnnr carton.

PETER COOPER HEWITT, OF NEW YORK, N. Y., ASSIGNOB, BY MESNE ASSIGNMENTS,

3 T0 COOPER HEWITT ELECTRIC COMPANY, OF HOBOKEN, NEW JERSEY, A GQBPOBA-TION OF NEW JERSEY.

' ELECTRIC-LIGHTING APPARATUS.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Application filed March 23, 1901.

Patented June to, rare. sBIial N0. 52,488.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, PETER Coornn I-Inwrrr, a citizen of the UnitedStates, and a resident of New York, in the county of New York and Stateof New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements inElectric'Lighting Apparatus, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to that class of electrio apparatus in which theconducting medium is a vapor-or gas.

The apparatus may be used as a lamp or source of light or for variousother purposes.

In certain patents issued to me on the 17th day of September, 1901, forexample, United States Patents #682,690 and 682,695, I have describedvarious forms of vapor or gas electric apparatus, and the presentinvention relates more particularly to means for conveniently startingand operating lamps or other gas or vapor electric apparatus in whichthe phenomena at the negative electrode constitute an important part ofthe resistance to starting.

I have found that in an apparatushaving a vapor or gas path interveningbetween the negative and positiveelectrodes, under certain conditions ofpurity, there is an apparent reluctance on the part of the current toenter the negative electrode. I have further found that the tendency ofthe current is to assume a path between the positive electrode and thatportion of the negative electrode which is remote therefrom. Forinstance, in a tube of considerable length constituting the inclosingchamber of the apparatus, if a conducting rod constituting an extensionof the negative electrode be extended through a considerable portion ofthe length of the tube, the current will enter the negative electrode ata point, generally speaking, as remote as possible from the positiveelectrode, instead of traversing the extended conductor. The exactexplanation of this phenomenon is not essential to a description of myinvention. Fro-m experiments which I have made, however, I believe thatit is proven beyond reasonable doubt that the current tends to remain inthe vapor path as long as possible before entering the negativeelectrode.

For the'purpose of starting the appartus, I sometimes employ somespecial means for .overcoming the initial reluctance of the current totraverse the space immediately surrounding the negative electrode. Ihave found, however, that by making an actual electrical contact betweenthe ositive and negative electrodes and then segarating the .-two whilecurrent is flowing, it will continue to flow under the influence of amoderate difference of potential, the negative resist- ;ance phenomenonto starting having thus "been eliminated.

I avail myself of the phenomenon of the reluctance of the current toenter the nega- =tive electrode by extending the negative velectrode ofthe lamp to a point near the positive electrode and providing meansforrfil'St bringing the two electrodes into electrical contact and thencausing a brealt or :open space to be made between the two whereupon thecurrent which is first established at the junction is caused by thephenomenon to pass through the vapor and immediately traverse theapparatus, entering the negative electrode remote from the positiveelectrode. Many different means may be employed for securing the initialcontact between the electrodes and obtaining the break in the continuitythereof.

For purposes of illustration, I may select an apparatus containingmercury as the ,negative electrode, and I may cause a rod ofsome-conducting material 'to pass from the negative electrode into andthrough a considerable length of vapor, that is to say,

through practically the entire operating vapor path. In electricalcontact with the :remote end of this rod, .1 may bring the positiveelectrode (which may beof iron or other suitable material), and I mayarrange the parts so that one or the other of the two electrodes shallbe movable, whereby it shall be made possible to bring the electrodesinto contact or separate them at will, or I may use a bridging piece forthe same purpose. In order to render the operation of the movableelectrode automatic, it may be of iron or I may connect with it a pieceof magnetic material, such as iron, and I may cause this iron piece tobe acted upon by a magnet or solenoid outside the inclosing vessel ofthe '10 means of separating the electrodes may be deviceor by rotatingthe device may cause gravity to act; By including the two elec gtrodesin. the circuit of the magnet or solenoid, when the electrodes are incontact, I

may cause the initial current passing through'the. contacting electrodesto separate the contacts andto bring about the condition in which thecurrent selects the'vapo-r path instead of-the path through the solidextension of the negative electrode. Other employed. I It is desirableto have a resistance in series with the apparatus when the electrodesare in contact, ut this resistance maybe cut I out by the passingcurrent and, if desired,

by the samedevice which automatically separates the-electrodes as soonas current begins to pass.

In order to protect the apparatus from the eifects of gases or vaporswhich are liable to be given oil from the armature after the manufactureof the apparatus, the armature may be inclosed in a glass or otherreceptacle somewhat larger than the armature, or it may be sealedtightly around it.

which is gas-tight. This receptacle may be glass throughout its length.By these means, a rupture of the glass inclosing the armature would notrender the device inoperative.

In the accompanyingdrawings, Figure 1 shows oneform of device suited forthe purposes of the invention; Figs. 2, 3and 4, illustratemodifications; Fig. 5 is a section along the line P]? in Fig. 4; andFig. 6 shows still another modification.

Referring to the drawing, 1 represents the inclosing tube or chamber ofa gas or vapor apparatus. In. this instance the negative electrode, 5,extends from one end of the apparatus through the greater portion of thelength thereof, the end remote from the positive electrode beingsurrounded in this instance by a small quantity of mercury, in case thevapor path of the apparatus consists essentiall of mercury vapor. I Themer-' cury assists :1 so in rotecting the portions of the glass surrouning the leading-in co-nductor, 8, which extends through the wall of thechamber. The mercury, moreover, is, during the operation of theapparatus, volatilized to a greater or less extent and condensed withinthe chamber and particularly within the enlargement 4 surrounding thepositive electrode 2. This serves to dissipate the heat by reason of itsvolatilization.

The negative electrode, 5, may be of soft iron, aluminum or'othersuitable non-gaseous by the core, 12, usually bein 1,oc4,caa

conductor which may be tubular. By the from a gas or vapor, notnecessarily excluding solid material in a tubular form orfa liquid. Thepositive electrode 2 is carried connected therewith by a wire, 10,extending through the support 11. The core 12 is contained within aninclosing case, 18, which serves to prevent the iving off of vaporsafter the apparatus-has een finished. The wire 10,

serves to securely hold the electrode 2 even. if the glass or othermaterial employedflas the inclosing case for the core were to become-cracked or broken. The core 12 is-interm solid in the specificationand claims, I

I' refer to material in a state distingishedf closedin an extension, 19,of the tubular portion of the container and this extension 1 issurrounded by a magnetizing coil, 16, 1 r ,which serves, when traversedby a suitable electric current to raise the core and thus- '.separatethe electrode-2, from the electrode 5. The upper end of the electrode 2passesthrough a suitable guide, 17, so constructed as tomake electricalcontact therewith, and electrical connections are made therewith throughthe conductor, 20, connected with one terminal of the coil 16, and asuitable g leading-in conductor 7 passing through the V wall of theinclosing-case of the apparatus.

The remaining terminal of the coil 16 is con- .nected by a conductor,21, with the positive conductor 14 of the main circuit. A suitableresistance, 22, may be included in the conlductor 21. A conductor, 23,connects the lleading-in wire 8, and thus the negative elec- I Itrode,with the negative wire 15 of the main I circuit.

The operation of the apparatus is as follows: When the parts are at restand the circuit is closed with the main line by the switches 24 and 25,the current will pass from the main conductor 14, through the resistance22 and conductor 21, including the solenoid 16, the conductor 20, theleading-in wire 7 and the positive electrode 2.

This latter being at this time in actual contact with the negativeelectrode 5, the cur- I rent will traverse the latter and passingthrough the leading-in wire 8 will return to the main wire 15 by way ofthe conductor, I

23. This current traversing the coil 16, will draw the core 12 withinitself, thus raising the electrode 2 out of contact with the electrode5, whereupon the current will pass from one electrode to the otherthrough the intervening gas or vapor, but instead of continuing to flowto the adjacent portion of the negative electrode, it will immediatelyproceed to the remote end of the negative electrode 5 throughtheintervening vapor with the. attendant luminosity. For the purpose ofcutting the resistance 22 out of circuit when the apparatus has beenthus started, a supplemental armature, 26, may

be provided for the coil 16, which may be constructed to have a timeelement by weighting the armature or in any other convenient manner.This armature 26 is employed for cutting out the resistance 22 and, inthis case, closing a short-circuit around it. For this purpose aconductor, 27, leads from the conductor 21 to a contact-point, 28, of acircuit-closing arm or bar, 2!), the remaining contact-point, 30, ofWhich is connected by a conductor, 31, with the conductor 22. The bar 29is carried by the sum orting-arm of the armature 26 which is pivoted at32, and when the armature is actuated by the current flowing through thecoil 10, the circuit between the points 28 and '30 will be closed. Inthe drawing, 1 have shown the armature 26 as being over-balanced by acounterweight, 33, but it will be understood that a spring or any otherconvenient means for balancing the armature may be employed.

In Fig. 2, I have illustrated a form of apparatus in which theextensionof the negative electrode is completely out out of circuit whenthe apl'iaratus is in operation. In this instance, the-conductor 5"extends through the entire length of the apparatus and may be regardedas part or an extension of the electrode. It is shown as beingsurrounded near its respective ends by two rings 2 and 2" which when theapparatus is not in operation lie against the rod 5 be ing pivoted at 34and connected by leadingin wires 8 and 8 A small quantity of mercury maysurround the base of each of these electrodes as before. The operationof this apparatus is as follows: \Vhcn the circuit is closed therewith,current will pass through the respective rings 2 and 2 as" well as theintermediate portion of the l()( 5, and, the connections being such asto cause the currents to traverse the coils 1(3, surrounding the cores12, the contact rings 2" and 2 acting as armaturcs will be lifted fromthe wire, thus cutting the rod .7" out of circuit. The current will thcntravcrse the gas path between the two el-ccllodes. either of the rings2" or 2", acting as positive, and the electrode 5" or 5 acting as thecorresponding negative electrode. depending on which way the current isflowing through the apparatus. It will ot course be understood that therings 2 and 2 are eitherthemselves magnetic or carry magetic armaturcs.If desired one of the magnets may be made to act: more slowly than theother so that the separation will take place at the correspondingelectrode subsequent to the separation at the other electrode. The rings2 and 2 may be made of such size that the one acting as a positiveelectrode will become heated to a red heat by the flow of an excess ofcurrent, and thereupon it will cease to be held up by the correspondingmagnet, and will therefore fall back to its position of contact. thussubstantially cutting the apparatus out and preventing it from beinginjured; returning, however, to its position of no contact when cooled.

In Fig. 3, a modification is shown in which the extension of thenegative electrode is in a liquid state. The tube 1. is here shown in ahorizontal position and the extension of the electrode 5 consists of aquantity of mercury extending from the negative leading-in wire to apoint. near the positive ternnnal. Anyconvenient means mav be cn'iployedfor brcakii'ig contact at the positive electrode, for instance acontact, ll), carried by or connected with the electrode 2 may be raisedfrom the mercury by the action of the solenoid or magnet 16, as be fore.lnstead of causing the separation of the electrodes byelectro-n'iagnetic means, it possible to use other inst rumentalitiesas. for instance, an arrangement such as shown in Fig. 4, whichresembles the structure shown in Fig. 2, but is so organized that bygiving a slight rotation to the tube the positive electrode 2 will becarried by gravity out of contact with the extension 5" of the negativeelectrode.

in some cases it is desirable to heat the vapor within the apparatus.and l have found that the extension of the negative electrode may beemployed for that purpose by the initial current. passing therethrough,or current from another source may be caused to traverse this extensionraising its temperature to the required dcgrce and thus raising thetemperature of the apparatus. This heating eti'ect may be discontinuedwhen the vapor has acquired the desired temperature. When the apparatusis in operation the heating current may be discontinued. A wire may herun through any of the devices to serve as a heater without interferingwith the apparatus. This initial heating action may be more tullvexplained as tollows: Considering first the cennecticn in which theseparate source is used 'lor heating the container as illustrated inFig. t3. it is evident that. upon the closure of the switch 42, currentwill tlow from the generator 41, through the device. The conductor 5,which must be proportioned suitably to take the proper amount of currentfrom the generator 41, to heat the device, will then dissipate theenergy of the current and produce the desired physical condition in theapparatus. The arrangement shown is economical and advantageous, sincein the absence of series resistance or other auxiliary devices in theleads of the generator 41, all the energy there supplied. oes towardheating the comluctor. It is evident that other arrangcnutnts might beused without departing from the present inven-- t-ion. When the objectof the preliminary halting has been secured, the supply of energy fromthe generator 4:], may be discontinned by the openingolthe switch 4').(limsitlering now the connection in which the heat ng current isreceived from-the same source as the normal energy supply, shown in Fig.9-. a similar result is produced. Upon the application of potential tothe mains of the tlevice,'a. double How of current takes place; first,through the heating circuit. by way of the conductors 43 and 4-4 and thecircuit breaker 45. Here, as before, the conductor 5, which must besuitably proportioned to the voltage of the supply receives current andgenerates heat, which will produce the desired effect. Here, as in Fig.6, the proportioning of the conductor to receive current directly fromthe supply without waste in external controlling devices, adds to theefliciency and economy of the system. It is evident, however, that otherarrangements might be used withoutdeparting from the present invention.Upon the application of potential current will also flow from the supplythrough a second circuit. containing the magnets 10 and the electrodes 5and 5 and the. rings 2 and 2", and the conductor 5. This current willoperate the magnets 16 and their correspondingarmatures 2 and 2, whichwill start the device when the proper condition is produced by theinitial heating current'a's already described. The arrangement shownprovides for the continuous flow of heating current in the initialstages before the normal operation of the apparatus independently of themaking and breaking of contact by the rings 2 and 2*. It is, however, tobe noted that both paths receive their current from the same source andare supplied with the same potential, and, further, that the heatingconductor 5, before it. is cut out of circuit, receives the full linepotential, whereas the vapor path within the device will usually receivea less voltage. It is important to notice that the specific device andcircuits shown in this ligure is very often not only well adapted toeconomically and efiiciently supply initial heating to the container inview of the absence of external energy consuming controlling devices,but that it is also especially well adapted to facilitate the startingoperation. Since the voltage impressed upon the conductor 5 is usuallyhigher than that impressed upon the vapor column, its resistance iscomparable with that of the vapor column and relatively higher. Thiscondition has been found in actual practice under certain conditions tofacilitate greatly the extension. of the current between the electrodes.I

In Fig. 0, I have shown a separate source at], a suitable switch, 42,being connected in its circuit. The connections, however, may be derivedfrom the same source as the main current, as indicated, by theconductors 43 and 414 in Fig. 2, in which case a circuit-breaker -15,may be included in the circuit leading to the apparatus and adapted toact only after such an interval as will afford the proper amount; ofheating to the apparatus.

Certain features shown and described in the present application areclaimed in the following divisional applications, namely: Serial Number123,874, filed September 18th, 1902, Serial Number 150,170, filed March.30th, 1903, Serial Number 258,149, filed May 1st, 1905, Serial Number403,147, filed November 18th, 1908, and Serial Number 545,290, filedFebruary" 23rd, 1910.

Other features are claimed in the following applications which a.re inpart divisions of the present appllcation: Serial Number 203,085, filedApril 14th, 1904, and Serial Number 595,948, filed December 6th, 1910.

I claim as my invention:

1. In a gas. or vapor electric apparatus of" the character described, apositive electrode, a negative electrode having a projection inthB'fOI'lIl of a solid conductor extending into contact with thepositive elect-rode when the apparatus is not in operation, a conductinggas or vapor between the electrodes, in combination with means forseparating the electrodes.

2. In a gas or vapor electric apparatus of the character described, ahermetically sealed container, a positive electrode and a negativeelectrode within the container, the

said negativeelectrode having a projection paratus when the electrodesare in contact,

and means also brought into operation by the action of the current forcutting out resistance. when the electrodes are separated.

l-. In a gas or vapor electric apparatus of the. character described, ahermetically sealed container inclo-sing a pair of electrodes in contactwith each other, a conducting gas or vapor between the electrodes, oneof the electrodes being movable, magnetic material connected with themovable electrode, and a solenoid in circuit with the? elect-rode inoperative relation to the magnetic material.

5. In a. gas or vapor electric apparatus of the character described, apair of electrodes, a conducting gas or vapor between the electrodes, asolenoid outside the apparatus and an armature in operative relation tothe said solenoid, the said armature being inclosed within the containerand being sealed I hermetically with relation to the other elementswithin the container.

6. In a gas or vapor electric apparatus of the cha 'acter described. apair of electrodes in contact, one of which is movable, a conducting gasor vapor between the electrodes, an armature connected with the movableelectrode by a tenacious connection, and a solenoid cr magnet outsidethe apparatus acting upon the armature, said armature being sealedhermetically with respect to the gases or vapors in the container.

7. In a gas or vapor electric apparatus, the combination of a negativeelectrode, a positive electrode, a conducting gas or vapor between theelectrodes, means for formlng a solid electrical connection bet-ween thetwo electrodes within the apparatus, and means for severing suchconnection.

8. In combination, substantially as described, in a gas or vaporapparatus having two electrodes and a gas or vapor path, means forbringing the two electrodes into actual electrical contact inside theapparatus by means of a solid conductor for causing an initial currentto traverse the apparatus, means for causing a separation of theelectrodes and a consequent passage of current through the gas or vapor,and a vaporizable material adjacentto the remote portion of one of theelectrodes.

9. In.a gas or vapor apparatus of the character described, thecombination of a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a conductinggas or vapor between/the electrodes, means for forming av metallicconnection between the two electrodes, thereby permitting the passage ofelectric current, means for interrupting the metallic connection betweenthe electrodes, thereby causing a discontinuance of the flow of currentthrough the metallic connection after the separation of the electrodes.

10. In a gas or vapor electric apparatus, comprising a suitablecontainer, a conducting gas or vapor therein, and two electrodes, meansfor establishing a circuit through a limited portion of the gas orvapor, and transferring the flow of current through substantially theentire gas or vapor path.

11. In a gas or vapor electric apparatus, a suitable container, atcopductin gas or vapor therein, a positive electro e and a negativeelectrode, and means for starting a flow of current through a portion ofthe gas or vapor path at the negative elect-rode.

12. In a gas or vapor apparatus of the character described, ahermetically sealed container, a movable electrode therein, a negativeelectrode also contained therein, the negative electrode and the movableelect-rode being in contact, and means for automatically separating themovable elect-rode from the negative electrode.

- 13. The combination with a gas or vapor electric apparatus comprisinga suitable container, a conducting gas or vapor therein, and a positiveand a negative electrode for the conducting gas or vapor, of acontinuous conductor through the apparatus independent. of the gas orvapor, a. switch interposed in the said conductor within the container,and means outside the container for operating the said switch.

14. The combination in a gas or vapor electric apparatus of thecharacter described, of a continuous conductor through the apparatus inepe'ndent of the conducting gas or vapor therein, and automatic meansfor interrupting the continuity of the said conductor for starting theapparatus, such means consisting of an electro-magnet located outsidethe apparatus and an armature inside the apparatus.

15. The combination in a gas or vapor electric apparatus of thecharacter described, of a continuous conductor through the ap a. ratusindependent of the conducting gas or vapor, a switch interposed in thesaid conductor, and automatic means for operating the switch.

16. In an electric lamp, the combination of a light-transmittingenvelop, main electrodes one at least of which is of vaporizablematerial, and means for initiating an electric discharge between saidmain electrodes comprising separable contactpoints or members ofrelatively non-vaporizable material, one of which is electricallyconnected to one of said main electrodes and the other to the other mainelectrode.

17. In an electric lamp, the combination of a light-transmittingenvelop, main terminals therefor one atleast of which is of vaporizablemateriahmeans for maintaining a difference of potential between saidmain terminals, means for initiating a discharge between said mainterminals comprising separable contacts adapted when separated toproduce an electric discharge, said contacts being of material notreadily vaporizable, and an electrical connection between one of saidcontacts and one of said main terminals.

18. In an electric lamp, the combination of an exhaustedlight-transmitting envelop, main electrodes therefor one at least ofWhich is of vaporizable material, means for maintaining a difierence ofpotential be-' for starting an are or current flow therein,

consisting of a conducting shunt to the arc path, and means .forautomatically opening and closing the shunt as the. arc is formed orbroken.

20. The combination with a vapor apparatusprovided with a normallyclosed internal circuit; of automatic means for interrupting the saidcircuit for starting the apparatus into operation.

21. The combination with a vapor apparatus provided with a normallyclosed internal circuit, of electro-magnetlc means for starting theapparatus into operation.

22. An electric lamp and means for the starting thereof, consisting of ahermetically sealed and completely exhausted container, a plurality ofelectrodes therein, one at least of which is a vaporizablereconstructing cathode, a conductor extending between said electrodesand having a resistance high relatively to the vapor column and meansfor establishing and breaking a connection within the container betweenone of said electrodes and the said conductor.

will initiate a flow of current through the mercury vapor.

24. A mercury vapor apparatus. comprising an evacuated container formercury, electrodes therein normally connected inside the container by'good conduct-ing material,

7 and means permitting a relative movement between one of the electrodesand. the

container.

25; A mercury vapor apparatus comprising anevacuated container formercury, electrodes therein normally connected inside the container bygood conducting material, and means whereby a relative move-.

ment between one of the electrodes and the container will cause aseparation of the electrodes.

26. In a mercury vapor apparatus, Ian

evacuated container, electrodes therein, and

means whereby the connecting and'wdisconnecting of said electrodes willbe effected by a relative movement of one of the-electrodes and thecontainer. V

27. The combination with a vacuum apparatus comprising a hermeticallysealed and completely exhausted container, and suitable electrodestherein includin -;a. vapo-rizable reconstructing cathode, o an internalclosed circuit through said cathode,

together with' automatic means for, inter-.

rupting said circuit, thus breaking down the negative electrode startingreluctance and initiating normal operation.

28. The combination with a vacuum ap- A paratus comprising ahermetically sealed and completely exhausted container and suitableelectrodes therein" including avaporizable reconstructing cathode, of aninternal closed circuit through said cathode, together withelectromagnetic means for interrupting said circuit, thus breaking downthe negative electrode starting. reluctance and initiating normaloperation.

29. The combination with a vapor apparatus provided with a normallyclosed internal circuit, of an electromagnet external to the apparatusincluded in the said circuit and mechanical connections between themagnet armature and the apparatus where'- by the said internal circuitis automatically ruptured when the magnet is energized.

30. A vapor device comprising a con. tamer, electrodes orcontacts Insaid cont ainer and includedin the main operatingv Signed at New. York,in the county of New York and State of New York, this twentieth day ofMarch, A. D. 1901.

PETER COOPER HEWITT.

Witnesses:

STANWOOD E. FLICHTNER, WM. H. CAPEL.

